What I'm Currently Loving

It's a bit of a mixed one this month. Two lovely smellng things, and one fairly potent smelling one.

This Bath and Bodyworks candle in Market peach has a very sweet, but still pleasant smell. I never really burn candles in my bedroom because I'm slightly paranoid about forgetting it's there and burning the house down, so instead it just sits on my bookcase and remember about it
from time to time and smell it.

This Jack Wills body spray, whch I got in a set of three for my birthday also has a nice scent- a fairly fake sweet floral one but pleasant nonetheless.

 I've also been using the avon nail corrector regularly recently. It has a small nib which is coated in nail polish remover, meaning you can remove any polish from around your nails easily. I'm very messy when I paint my nails, preferring the approach which involves putting the brush vaguely near my nails and hoping for the best. This comes in very handy.

 Helen x

Recent Purchase: Nail Polish

I've never tried a Jessica polish before, so I was very happy when my mum brought this one home after a TK Maxx shop. She proudly told me it was only £2, which I think is pretty impressive!

Its a completely different colour in the bottle to on the nails; its basically a clear polish with a slight shimmer to it when you put a couple of coats on. Its very subtle, but just looks a little more interesting than clear nails.

My friend actually bought me this but I'd been eyeing it up for a while. Its a Topshop one- I think its in the shade Float. Its a pretty pale pink to add to my ever expanding pink polish collection, (although I never think of myself as a pink person). I like Topshop polishes because you only need about 2 coats to build a really nice even colour. This is one of the mini polishes which I also love because the consistency of the polish tends to go gloopy before I actually use it all up. 

Helen x 

Books Of The Month

This month I've been enjoying reading an old favourite The Careful use of Compliments by Alexander McCall Smith, the fourth book in the Sunday Philosophy Club series. I love McCall Smith's writing; its so thoughtful and funny, and extremely life like. You can imagine bumping into his characters on the street and a conversation occurring like those in the book. They feel like friends and so its a comforting read, great to snuggle up with. The series is centred around Isobel Dalhousie, a philosopher and her partner and young son. Its set in Edinburgh, a city I've always loved and these books make me love it even more.  You can buy it here.

Another book I couldn't put down is The Secret History by Donna Tart, which you can get here. Its the first Donna Tart book I've read but I'll be reading more now. The book is about a group of American College students, who become friends (though its a rather dysfunctional friendship) but it all starts to unravel and ends in them killing one of their friends (that's not a huge spoiler, don't worry-it tells you in the first sentence). Its very gripping, with so many twists and turns to keep you reading. Having said that, its very focused on Ancient Greek philosophy which is probably fascinating if that's your thing, but its not mine and I found myself getting a bit bored by it. Like yeah, we've got that point, now move on. Although the intricacies of the philosophy side was probably lost on me, I did find the general moral idea of the book interesting-we are almost persuaded to empathise with the murderers.
Another criticism: I didn't like any of the main characters. I don't really think you're meant to, but it often makes a book easier to read if you actually care about the people in it. In fact, I just found them all increasingly irritating. However, that didn't stop me reading it, as I wanted to find out whether they managed to find their brains and common sense and actually manage to get themselves out of the situations they found themselves in (they did-by killing him). That all sounds quite negative, but I did enjoy it and would recommend it-just prepare to be irritated by fictional characters.

Helen x

What I'm Currently Loving

Belt

When I was younger, my sister and I would mark all the things we liked in the Mini Boden and Boden catalouges, just in case our parents were feeling generous. I marked this belt from Boden and was very happy to see it under the tree one year. I've had it for years now and its still in good condition. It looks great with black jeans, making an everyday outfit a bit more interesting.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo

I have this in 35-On and on bronze which as the name suggests is a sparkly bronze. It's so easy to apply-I just use my finger and wear it all over the lid. I've also been using it as a base colour recently, and it really helps shadows to stay put.

King Charles

Not, as my sister first thought, the monarch, but the Indie singer-songwriter. I've been playing his album LoveBlood on repeat for months and recently went to see him live in Newcastle which was pretty amazing. He's also just finished recording a new album which I'm very excited for!

Eyelash Curlers

For a couple of years I used bright pink, plastic eyelash curlers. I was always terrified that if I held them on my eyelashes for too long I'd take them off to find half of my lashes had been chopped off, so I also used them only for a few seconds and as they were pretty awful, could never see any effects. Feeling it was about time I upgraded, I popped into TKMaxx, as they usually have some good beauty products at even better prices (Jessica nail polish for £3 anyone?) They didn't disappoint. I got these Danielle ones. They’re made of 24K gold, and certainly look fairly luxurious. They also come with two spare pads which is good, making them even better value. I simply pump them a few times and I get curled lashes that last all day, making even my short lashes look long.  Far better than the vivid pink ones!

Has anyone recently re-discovered lash curlers?

Any tips for getting curled lashes?

Helen x

Banish the Oil

I have oily skin and so need a primer when wearing foundation or BB cream, in order to keep it on my face, as it has a tendency to slide. Lovely.
 I bought this primer a while ago from The Body Shop but have recently re-discovered it at the bottom of my plant pot full of Skincare. Yup, I keep my skincare in a plant pot. It's a very prettily decorated one however-that makes it better right? It has a slightly odd consistency (the primer, not the pot) -it’s very gel like, and feels quite strange to apply. Unlike other primers which completely soak into the skin you can feel this almost like a film on your skin. That makes it sound very unappealing but I actually quite like how it feels.  I can’t really describe it, but hopefully you get my drift. I apply it all over my face, but apply a little more on my most oily areas-nose and forehead.

Helen x

Soap and Glory Loving

I've always been a fan of Soap and Glory and am always drawn to their products whenever I go to Boots. Who can resist pretty pink packaging and their signature floral smell? Not me, certainly. I've grown my collection a little recently, thanks to friends and family who also understand the love. Here are some of my favourites. 

I keep the body scrub in the shower and use it daily. I get really dry skin in the Winter-especially on my elbows-and this has really helped to get rid of all the dead skin cells. I just squeeze a large pea shaped amount onto a shower puff and scrub away. It smells amazing and wakes me up in the mornings, to the extent I never want to get out of the shower. The foot scrub is also great for a really invigorating pedicure and perfect for making your toes smell of flowers and all things nice.

Next is this shower gel. It has a different scent to the rest as it's part of the ‘Orangeasm’ range. It has a really uplifting, refreshing smell, also perfect for waking you up.

The hand cream has long been a favourite of mine. It’s super moisturising but just smells so good I can’t help but slather it on at far too regular intervals.

Helen x

Book of the Month

I'm a regular reader of the Guardian and usually the first thing I do is turn to the beauty section to read Sali Hughes' weekly column which I love, and so I was very happy when I finally got my hands on her book- Pretty Honest. It's £22 (though cheaper on Amazon-you can get it here)

It's a good thick book packed with sensible, straight forward tips and advice on everything from salon etiquette to acne. All the sections are written in Sali's characteristic no-nonsense style, which I love, and all are genuinely useful. I particularly enjoyed the sections on daily skincare routine, foundation and Teen beauty-all very relevant and well thought out. There's some lovely photos in it, but its mainly just good solid advice. I read it cover to cover, irritating my family by continuously saying 'Sali says…' and then quoting some new fact I'd learnt. I'm now dipping in and out, picking it up before heading to Boots so I know what ingredients to avoid in skincare for oily skin, or what blush she recommends. It truly is a Beauty Bible. I love it-can you tell?

Helen x

Avon Argon Oil Review

I don't use many products on my hair, simply because I don't tend to find it needs it (though I am searching for a good spray to calm some of the frizz. If you have any recommendations, please let me know). However, now it's winter it's become a bit dry like everything else and I was searching for something to give it a bit of extra moisture.

Enter Argon Oil. I know, I know, I'm pretty late to the party in regards to this. I wish I'd joined sooner because this stuff is good. This is the 'Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argon Oil Leave in Treatment' (bit of a mouthful) from Avon and is currently only a couple of pounds. It's suitable for wet or dry hair but I use mine after I've combed it through in the shower, distributing it all through my hair but focusing on the ends as these get the driest. Don't expect dramatic results with this-it does what it says on the tin, but it does it pretty well. And for that price, who's complaining?

Helen x

What I'm Currently Loving

Porridge

I'm normally in such a rush in the mornings I barely have time to shove some toast in my mouth whilst applying concealer, packing my bag, and finding matching socks. When I have a little extra time however I like to make some porridge. I make mine with half milk, half water, and simply microwave it till thick (I like mine pretty solid…yum)  My favourite toppings are banana, brown sugar, red berries and granola.

Suits

Not the clothing, the programme. I've been re-watching this series about an American law firm over the holidays, and I'm completely gripped. It's so good! I really love the central characters and how they're constantly evolving as the plot develops.


Writing letters

I know it seems a bit out of date, what with facebook and twitter etc making it so easy to keep in touch, but there's nothing quite like writing letters (or receiving them-it makes a nice change from bank statements). At the moment I'm using this letter set from Paperchase which always makes me smile, it's so bright and cheerful. 

Helen x

The Season For Sparkle

When the decorations are unpacked and on the tree, the lights strung up and the tinsel on every surface, you know it’s time for some sparkle on your fingers.

A glitter polish is a really quick, easy way to get the festive spirit on your nails. These are my favourites this Christmas.

Barry M has a very good range of glitter nail polish which are easy to apply and last for around 5 days. Their only disadvantage is that they take a lot of effort and polish remover to get off (like most glitter polishes) but I reckon it’s worth it. Both of these work well layered up on their own, or as a top coat. The green is a recent buy in time for Christmas-it reminds me of a Christmas tree and has little silver stars in it-how could I resist?

The Barry M polish with the lovely glittery lid has recently vanished from my room (really need to have a tidy) but it too works very well on a bare nail as the glitter is pretty concentrated. 

I like to wear this OPI silver layered on top of a dark red or purple, or to add an accent nail.

Similarly, this Ciate silver is great for layering. The glitter in this one is more concentrated than the OPI so it could be worn on its own.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas

Helen x

What I'm Currently Loving

Firstly, sorry I've been neglecting my blog recently. I started sixth form recently so haven't had much spare time.

Recently I've really got back into using this cute Lorac Pro eyeshadow pallette. It has two shimmer shades: Nude and Pewter, and one matte shade aptly named Espresso. The pigmentation of all three is great, and even for someone with fairly oily eyelids like me (eww) it lasts all day without creasing. The packaging is really good as it has a little mirror so is handy to have in your makeup bag.

Next is TV. There's lots of crime dramas on at the moment, but the one I'm loyal to is Lewis. It's now on it's eighth series and still perfect to snuggle on the sofa and watch. The storylines are always very clever and complicated and keep you guessing till the end. It's on ITV 1 on Fridays at 9.

I don't own many pairs of leggings, but recently I've been wishing I did. They're great for days when you open the wardrobe and realize actually all you want to do is stay in your pjs. The Topshop patterned leggings are my favourites, as they're a bit thicker than normal leggings and the bright patterns mean you don't have to try too hard with the rest of your outfit.

Helen x

P.S I promise I'll try and post more regularly from now on!

Books that make you think

Occasionally what you fancy is a book that has a nice easy plot and doesn't require much concentration. Sometimes however it's good to read a book that leaves you feeling a little less secure in what you take for granted. These are my favourite books that do just that:

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

This is a classic, and rather well loved in my family as you can see from the well worn cover! This was first published in 1950, but still feels relevant. The book is centred around Winston Smith, who lives in a country governed by Big Brother-a dictator like figure who is never actually seen but drives fear into everyone. Every aspect of peoples lives is controlled, and this becomes quite scary in places as it is so shocking. More worryingly, however, is that when reading it you start to recognise elements of the book in actual countries and it does not seem so unimaginable that parts of the Big Brother regime could at some point happen in real life.

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

This book is clearly written to appeal to the 'hunger games/divergent/gone' audience, but the idea it contains is very interesting. Set in a future world, it talks about how the 'rusties' i.e. the current human race died out as they failed to adapt and create new technologies and so experienced a crisis. It also explores the idea of the obsession for perfection in society, and what happens when people reject this idea.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

I have just finished reading this and whilst I wouldn't say I liked it, due to the really quite sinister plot, I know I'll be re-reading it. The American government uses extremely low birth rate and an increase in sexual assaults as an excuse to radically change the way society functions-people are ascribed a role and are effectively brain washed into believing this is their duty. Out of all these books, this one left me questioning things more, and the warning it carries really affected me.

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman

This book looks at racism but flips it so that to be black is to be considered right, and desirable. It's very fast paced and leaves you looking at things a little differently to how you might have previously. 

Books of the month

I recently picked up a few books for just a pound each at a charity book shop, and started reading them straight away, despite the fact I was meant to be reading Jane Eyre in preperation for next year. 

My first Book of the Month is The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. This book follows Georgia who runs a knitting shop in New York and daughter and friends. A knitting club gradually forms, and so draws all different types of people together. Their stories are cleverly interwoven as they become closer. The ending is not a typical 'happily ever after' as I expected, but many of the characters stories are nicely tied up in a fairly un-imaginative way. I enjoyed this, in a nice, easy, comforting way but will not necessarily be re-reading it. 

                                

My next book is Handle with Care by Jodi Piccoult. Jodi Piccoult's books are, I think, very similar to the well loved James Bond books. They are fairly predictable, hugely popular and almost impossible to put down. They all follow a similar pattern-the introduction of the characters; the development of whatever 'issue' this particular book is about; and then a large proportion of the book spent on the court case. Handle With Care is no different, but I liked it nonetheless. Piccoult's books may be something of a blockbuster but they are all very well written, heart wrenching and with well developed characters. What I like most about them is the often controversial issues which they explore, and so get the reader to think more about. 

Helen x

April books of the month and an apology

Firstly, I'd like to apologise for my absence from the blogging world. I'm in year 11 and we are steadily approaching the exam season. I have 19 exams to revise for, so I have been very busy and haven't had an awful lot of time to blog recently. It's really annoying as I have quite a few posts lined up but just no time to write them! I'm going to do my beauty bargain of the month and my books of the month and then a couple more posts spread out over the month. After that though, I'll be in the middle of exams so I'm afraid I'll just have to fit blogging in whenever I have a bit of same time. 

Anyway, on to my books of the month.

This month my favourite books are by the same author, whom I hadn't heard about till recently. 

My first book is Behind the scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson. This is £4.99 from Amazon. 

This book is about Ruby Lennox and her life. It's quite hard to go into a lot of detail about the plot,because essentially, it is a very well written book about Ruby and her bizzare, yet very relatable family. In some parts it is in the present tense and I parts, the footnotes, it is about her forebearers. At times it is very funny and at times very dark, but always written in a very unique, readable way. 

The second book is Life after Life, by Kate Atkinson, available from £4 on amazon. I have always been fascinated by what happens after we die. I'm not religious, and don't believe in the idea of there being a place called Heaven, as such, but I'd like to think that something happen after we die. I'm not sure what that something is, but I'm always interested to read about it.  A Buddhist once came into my primary school and spoke of what she believed and how she had a friend who died and came back as another friends son: I remember being fascinated by the idea we can be reincarnated and live again and again. But Buddhist ideas aside, what if we could live multiple times, till we got it right, or at least until we made it as good as we possibly could? Would you even want to? This idea is what Atkinson explores in this very moving, very clever book. Ursula Todd is born on a dark, snowy night and dies repeatedly in the book, so that she can be born again and try to rectify the mistakes that were made in her last go. It seems like a confusing concept but actually it works very well as each 'life' is clearly defined. 

I loved this book, and I'm sure it will be one I re-read again and again. 

Helen x 

Turning 16: Afternoon tea and presents

April is one of my favourite months. The days are getting longer, it's just beginning to get warmer (this is the UK, after all) and there's lots of lambs in the fields. It also happens to be my birthday month. 

This year I decided I wanted to have afternoon tea at Betty's. I wasn't sure what else I wanted to do with my day, I just wanted afternoon tea (it's quite possibly my favourite meal.) We went decided to go to the York branch as it's so pretty there and not far on the train. First, we went for some food as we needed something to keep us going before our afternoon tea. Then we went for a river cruise down the River Ouse. It lasted for about an hour and was a really nice way to see more of the city.

Then we went to Betty's where we devoured our afternoon teas. I love Betty's-it's so old fashioned and cute. The waitresses are lovely (I want to work there just to get one of the beautiful embroidered blouses they wear) and the food is excellent. The raspberry macaroons were particularly nice, though the scones were pretty good too.

After that, we made our way home where I opened all the lovely presents my family and friends got me. I'd asked for some red Hunters as I've always wanted some, so I was very happy to recieve some.

When shopping, I spotted a beautiful bag in TX Maxx and really, really wanted it, but couldn't afford it, so my parents very kindly said they'd pay for half of it for my birthday. If it's possible to be in love with a bag, I am. It has two sections, loads of pockets and compartments and has both a short and long strap so it's really practical as well as a lovely thing to sit and stroke (the leather is so soft)

I also got this gorgeous watch from Urban Outfitters from my friends. Now I have it, I can't work out how I managed without a watch for so long. It goes so well with everything and just makes outfits a bit more interesting. 

I also got some bath stuff, a scrapbook, some very cute post it notes and lots of chocolate from my friends.
I've mentioned in a previous post my love of the Archers, a radio drama, and so I was very excited when I opened my presents from my sister and found she'd given me an archers CD, with episodes from the 60's and 70's.  She also gave me three Maybelline nail polishes, which I'll do a review of later.

I received some lovely presents, but more importantly,I had a really lovely day with my family, and later with my friends.

Helen x

Book of the month

The book I've been loving this month is a bit different to what I'd normally read, but my mum bought it and thought I'd enjoy it. 

The book I'm talking about is The Fishing Fleet: Husband Hunting in the Raj by Anne De Courcy. It's £5.59 from Amazon. 

It's tells the story of thousands of women, who from the late 17th century flocked to India in the hope of finding a husband. Many of them were very brave, surviving awful conditions with poor equipment and little scientific understanding, making diseases kill thousands of innocent victims. Amongst all the sadness however, there are stories of love that kept couples together against the odds.

I had no idea that this remarkable event even happened, and found it amazing that it kept going for so long.

The book is factual but contains the stories of lots of women and has photographs of many of them, which I found really interesting. 

I would definitely recommend this to those of you who have an interest in History, or otherwise!

Helen x   

Book Review: Bright Young Things

I've recently re-read Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen and thought I'd do a very quick review

Bright Young Things is the first in a trilogy. Set in 1929, it begins with two best friends, Cordelia and Letty, escaping the small town they grew up in to go to New York. The friends have different dreams and whilst Letty longs to be on the stage, Cordelia is determined to find the father she knows very little about.

They both make new friends and realise they have a lot of things to learn and a lot of growing up to do! 

It's a pretty easy read but it's touching and well written, with likeable characters. 

I have this on my iPad, and it cost around £2 at the time.

Helen x

Tangle Teezer Review

I have very curly hair and it can get very tangled. I was completely sick of it as it had got to the stage where I was embarrassed to go to the Hairdressers and if I came across a large tangle I would have to resort to cutting it out. It sounds really awful now but at the time I was pretty desperate. I'd heard a lot about Tangle Teezers but they're quite expensive so I'd put off buying one, but then I saw a special offer at Boots on hair care and decided to get one. 

I'm so pleased I did. It is amazing! I use it every morning in the shower and it doesn't pull at all, so it isn't painful. It costs upwards of £9, but you can get it on Amazon for less. It has made a real difference and my hair is in much better condition. It's definitely worth the money!

Helen x

New Nail Polish

Despite realising I actually have plenty of nail polish and promising to myself that I wouldn't buy any more for a while, I've recently bought two polishes in the space of a two days. Ooops...

I have two MUA nail polishes and for £1, they're surprisingly good so when I saw this pink MUA polish, I couldn't resist buying it! It's a very pretty pink and is perfect for spring. I applied two coats of this and it lasts a good few days.

Recently I was in Swindon and my mum and I had a few hours to kill so we popped into the Designer Outlet Centre. I went into The Cosmetics Company Store and it was AMAZING. I managed to resist temptation to buy lots of Origin Skincare and Clinique makeup I don't need, and eventually settled on this Mac Nail Polish, which I got for a bargain £7!

It's called Screening Room and is a dark green with a hint of blue. I had to apply 2-3 coats to get a really even, rich colour, but it dries really quickly. I applied a topcoat but it began to chip after two days which I was a bit disappointed by.

Now my Nail Polish collection has expanded even more, I really won't be buying any more for a while! Probably...

Helen x